Q. I’m a few years out from retirement but want to plan carefully for that day. A lot is written about earning money from outside sources (e.g., non-federal employment or self-employment) and how it affects Social Security benefits. What I want to know is if I retired today under the $15,480-allowed outside-income criteria, would my FERS annuity and any TSP income (either annuity or withdrawal) be included in that $15,480-income ceiling, or are they treated separately thereby allowing me to receive my full Social Security benefit, FERS annuity, TSP income and outside income together without reductions?
Browsing: Social Security
Q. Are TSP withdrawals considered to be earned income for the purposes of means-testing Social Security or FERS supplemental benefits?
Q. I’m 62 years old with 30-plus years of service. I am CSRS Offset. What are the benefits (or disadvantages) of taking Social Security now while still working?
Q. I plan on leaving the U.S. Postal Service at age 60 in six months after 30 years. Do I have to collect Social Security at 62?
Q. I’ve been working and contributing to Social Security since age 13. I turn 62 in December 2016. I have a full military retirement of 20 years with 40 percent disability (soon to be increased), and I’ve got 20 years in the U.S. Postal Service — paying into Social Security the entire time for both government jobs. Does the windfall act apply to me? If it does, how so? If I were to turn down my USPS retirement, how would that affect Social Security if the windfall does apply to me?
Q. My start date with the U.S. Postal Service was December 1986. This is my 30th year. I am now 58 years old. I also worked prior to USPS and have more than 40 quarters in with Social Security. I am under the FERS system and understand that my contribution to TSP will factor into my annuity. I know nothing about USPS retirement and have heard words like “windfall elimination offset” and that I cannot get Social Security that was earned before the USPS. How can I find out when is the best time I should retire for maximum benefit and what would my actual…
Q. As a CSRS employee, while still working, does the GPO penalty still apply if I collect a Social Security spousal benefit?
Q. I am 69 years old and will be 70 in November. I haven’t received notice that I have to withdraw money — or how much for that matter — from my TSP. I am still working as a military civilian, and I don’t plan to retire anytime soon, as my TSP only has $54,000 — not enough to retire on. When I receive notice after my 70th birthday, will it be before the end of 2016 when I turn 70? Should I plan to begin the withdrawals before the end of 2016? And with my Social Security, I am now in the 25…
Q. I retired at age 55 under CSRS offset. When I turned 62 I had to start drawing from Social Security. My husband is going to be retiring soon at FRA. Am I entitled to half his Social Security?
Q. I worked for the United States Postal Service from 1978 through 2013. During that time I never paid Social Security. I am almost 58 years old. In 2013, I remarried, and my new wife has paid Social Security her entire life. She is six years younger than me. My only Social Security contributions came as a kid. And if I remember correctly I have about nine quarters earned. When I turn 62, am I eligible to receive dependent Social Security benefits? I did pay Medicare tax.